Resources

Understand your financing before you apply.

Plain-language guides to SBA loans, working capital, business credit, and everything in between so you walk into preapproval knowing exactly what to expect.

Guides

Start here.

Short reads covering the questions applicants ask us most.

SBA Loans

SBA Loans, Explained

What SBA guarantees actually mean, which SBA programs exist (7(a), 504, microloans), and why they tend to be slower but cheaper than alternatives.

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Getting Ready

Documents You'll Need to Apply

The typical checklist bank statements, tax returns, EIN, entity documents and how to have them ready before you start.

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Credit

Building Business Credit

How business credit differs from personal credit, and simple steps to start building a credit profile for your business.

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Terms

Factor Rate vs. APR

Why a 1.2 factor rate and a 12% APR aren't the same thing, and how to compare offers that quote each differently.

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Choosing a Program

Personal vs. Business Financing

When it makes sense to fund something personally versus through your business, and how each shows up on your credit.

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Reading Offers

How to Read a Term Sheet

The line items that matter most term, rate, fees, prepayment penalties and the questions worth asking before you sign.

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Glossary

Terms worth knowing.

A quick reference for language you'll see in offers and applications.

APR
Annual Percentage Rate the yearly cost of a loan including interest and fees, expressed as a percentage.
Factor Rate
A decimal multiplier (e.g. 1.15) used mainly by alternative lenders to calculate the total repayment amount instead of an interest rate.
Personal Guarantee
A promise from a business owner to repay a loan personally if the business itself cannot.
UCC Lien
A public filing that gives a lender a legal claim to specific business assets until a loan is repaid.
DSCR
Debt Service Coverage Ratio a measure of whether your cash flow is sufficient to cover loan payments.
Use of Proceeds
The stated purpose for the funds you're requesting, such as equipment, payroll, or working capital.
Time in Business
How long your business has been operating, measured from its legal formation or first revenue.
Soft Credit Check
A credit inquiry used for preapproval that does not affect your credit score, unlike a hard inquiry.
FAQ

Common questions.

If you don't see your question here, a funding specialist can answer it directly.

No. Preapproval uses a soft credit inquiry, which does not impact your credit score. A hard inquiry only happens if you choose to move forward with a specific offer.

It depends on the program. Working capital and lines of credit can fund in as little as 24–72 hours, while SBA loans typically take 2–8 weeks due to additional underwriting.

Most applicants are asked for recent bank statements, the previous year's tax return, EIN documentation, and a government ID. Specific programs may ask for more once you're matched.

Often, yes. Programs like working capital loans and equipment financing weigh revenue and cash flow alongside credit, so a lower score doesn't automatically rule you out.

No. Preapproval is free and carries no obligation to accept any offer that comes back.

Feel ready to see your options?

Preapproval takes about 5 minutes and won't affect your credit score.

Start Preapproval